Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, Mr President. Senator Macdonald starts from a fundamentally flawed proposition in attacking Mr Ferguson. He unfortunately has fallen for the old trap of believing what he reads in newspaper headlines. He has some fundamental problems in understanding these basic principles. What has occurred is that this government, right across the board, is consulting with industry. The government is ensuring that the fundamental challenges faced by this country in regard to climate change are addressed squarely, because what we had was 12 years of neglect and 12 years of negligence from those opposite in regard to facing up to the responsibilities this country has had to deal with on issues of climate change.

Before the release of the green paper, of course, there was discussion with industry and after the release of the green paper there has also been discussion with industry. Australia’s heavy manufacturing industries such as aluminium and steel are significant contributors to the Australian economy. As a consequence I have established working groups within my department, which have been operating for several months dealing with these matters on a daily basis. The level of consultation with industry and the level of access has probably been greater with this government than they were in the last 12 years of the previous government.

Of course one acknowledges that heavy industry is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas in this country. So it is appropriate that the introduction of a national emissions trading scheme ahead of global carbon constraint may, of course, affect the competitiveness of emissions-intensive, trade-exposed heavy manufacturing industries in Australia. That is why we are providing the certainty necessary for these industries to be able to make the adjustments. We are providing the certainty that is necessary to attract new investment and to provide opportunities for increased employment in this country. And of course we are committed to ensuring that Australia—